Will Your Vet Discuss CBD With You?

If you’re thinking about introducing your pet to CBD products, a new survey has shown that it may talking with your vet about CBD use might be challenging.

The findings, published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science, came from an anonymous online survey completed last year by 2,130 veterinary professionals. They showed that less than half (45.5%) of survey participants felt comfortable discussing CBD with clients, but the majority (61.5%) felt comfortable discussing CBD in veterinary medicine with their colleagues.

However, participants indicated their hesitance to discuss CBD with clients was due to their state boards and state veterinary medical associations not providing adequate guidance to practice within applicable laws. Veterinarians and clients in states with more relaxed cannabis laws were more likely to discuss the topic, while recent graduates and veterinarians with less experienced showed more hesitance to broach the subject.

“Current laws and political forces make it challenging for veterinarians to gain the information they need to feel confident discussing CBD with their clients and offering sound advice, yet it is imperative for the veterinary field to rise to this challenge,” wrote the study authors, which included researchers and faculty from Colorado State University, North Carolina State University and the Veterinary Information Network.

The veterinary professionals who took the survey also indicated their personal views on the topic were more progressive. About 82% of survey participants indicated that said that CBD should not remain a Schedule I substance under federal law (the surveys were completed prior to the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, which removed hemp-derived CBD products from this classification).

“Given the positive feelings expressed by veterinarians in this study, it is suggested that all those affected by both the potential benefits as well as the risks, work together for legislative change that would allow for the expansion of knowledge needed to best capitalize on this potential medical tool for companion animals,” concluded the authors.

Research On CBD Oil For Dogs

Due to the prior federal classification of hemp as a Schedule I substance, there is a lack of ample research on the benefits of CBD oil for animals.

The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation has awarded a substantial research grant to Dr. Stephanie McGrath, a neurologist at Colorado State University’s James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Her work will be a larger study to test the effects of CBD on 60 epileptic dogs, all of whom have not responded well to conventional treatments.

We always recommend doing research to learn more. For more information, visit our About CBD page.

Lazarus Naturals CBD Pet Tincture

Our pet CBD oil tincture can be mixed into food or administered sublingually and comes with a graduated dropper to ensure accurate serving sizes. 

You can learn more about our CBD Pet Tincture on its product page on our website.

*FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA) DISCLOSURE: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always check with your vet before starting a new dietary supplement program.